A petition to save the GP surgery in Fenwick has been given the backing of the local MSP.

Willie Coffey said he has asked for an “explanation” into the proposed closure of the Glencairn practice, adding that he was “concerned” at what this meant for locals.

The practice is due to close at the end of the month, with staffing levels cited as the main reason for this.

Jen Broadhurst, Scottish Greens candidate for the Annick ward, started the online petition after a number of complaints from would-be constituents.

She said it was “unacceptable” that elderly and infirm residents would be left without a GP practice and she’s asked the health board to fully explore “all options” including nurse practitioner surgeries or visiting locum GP surgeries.

Ms Broadhurst added: “The failure at a national level to improve GP levels needs to be faced up to as a priority or more and more rural areas across Ayrshire are going to fall foul of similar fates.”

Speaking to the Standard, Mr Coffey said: “I’ve already written to the practice to ask for an explanation, and to the NHS.

“To announce its closure, even temporarily, to then be followed by consultation is a bit odd I think. I don’t know what their explanation for this is yet but I would have thought Fenwick would be an attractive place for GPs to practise.”

Kilmarnock and Loudoun MSP Willie Coffey has asked for clarification on the situation

Patients who live in or around Fenwick, and who are registered with Glencairn Medical Practice, will now have to go to Kilmaurs or Crosshouse to be seen by a GP, with the Stewarton practice no longer covering the village.

However, neither place is well served by public transport.

The author of the petition, which has over 150 signatures of support, said the move could have “a devastating impact” upon the lives of residents in Fenwick unable to make the journey’s to Kilmaurs or Crosshouse for GP treatment.

She added: “We ask that all options are fully explored, including weekly visiting surgeries to the village, nurse practitioner surgeries, increased patient transport options for elderly and disabled patients.”

As well as concerns that the move increasse the difficulty of rural life, there are concerns about the “additional strain” the move puts on those practices.

Eddie Fraser, director of the East Ayrshire health and social care partnership, said NHS Ayrshire and Arran are “committed to ensuring that people have access to high-quality local health services,” but said Glencairn Medical Practice had experienced “recruitment and retention difficulties” for GPs.

He added: “To ensure that patients continue to receive high-quality services, we have agreed to the temporary closure of the Fenwick branch from November 25.

“The geographical boundaries of the practice will not change and the practice will continue to serve the current patient population.

“Our ‘primary care team’ is working with the practice on contingency plans and to ensure patient care and safety is not compromised.

“We appreciate patients’ understanding at this time and we apologise for any inconvenience.”

Mr Coffey added: “No doubt there will be a problem getting to Kilmaurs and Crosshouse by bus for those who don’t have any transport, so naturally I am concerned at this.”

● You can sign the petition online at www.thepetitionsite.com, or sign it in Jessie’s store and the John Fulton Memorial hall.

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